Cancer and Depression

You seem to be stirring up some controversy here, my dear. Quite a few posts giving opposite views. This is good, in moderation.

Stress? In today's world? I can't believe ANYone DOESN'T fall victim. If you could scroll back to a post awhile ago about people's histories, you would see that many are in the same position as Mark (good diet, exercise).

Sadly, there is no clear answer to the cause of cancer, nor to a single cure. Medical science, as well as alternative therapies, are working on it.
Diet and exercise is what EVERYONE should be watching, regardless if they are a cancer survivor, or just breathing. There are the 4 food groups, etc for food intake. And exercise is a key component to staying healthy...even if it is just a stroll in the park.

You need to stop looking for the reason Mark got cancer right now, and just focus your energies on helping him fight the beast. Just look at the stress he (and you) are experiencing NOW!!!

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and find ONE THING to laugh about each day...you know the old saying....LAUGHTER is the best medicine.
Hugs,
Kathi

CAMaura said:

How we handle stress can be very important, so it could be good to look at things from a historical perspective. I do try to let go of things much more quicly than I used to...because I know it is better for me and because I am scared of cancer returning to my body. I stop or move away from drama-ridden situaitons and work to keep my own center; it has helped me and I like the overall results. Whatever you think about Mark's past, take note - but please encourage him to work on the present...He deserves to be happy now with whatever has been put before him. All the best - Maura

Depression is once again I think a "normal" part of this disease and I would doubt many here including carers have not been there at some time or other. I do think that attitude plays a large role in the healing process and for me I needed some "outlet". Sure...I could talk to Jen and we sought each others comfort but in some ways I needed a "deeper" investigation into my depressive state. That was pretty much during my chemo treatment. The answers I found by seeking the advice, with many indepth discussions with a cancer councillor(in fact a cancer clinical phsycologist) It worked wonders for me and I certainly would seek that help again. Jen also sat in on some of the sessions. I would advise anyone who felt things were getting out of control emotionally to do the same. Sometimes we need to make the move and admit that we need assistance.......maybe that would be beneficial to you both.
Ross and Jen

I absolutely believe in mind/body medicine. It is not all that controversial anymore either, as a matter of fact there was an excellent special on PBS a week or so ago called "The New Medicine" that discussed this exact topic. It is being studied at major teaching hospitals around the country. Of course it has been accepted in the East for years. It is possible that thoughts can affect the body, no doubt. However, the point of power is in the present moment! It does no good to ruminate on the past, except to perhaps forgive and let go of people who have hurt us and so forth. The main thing is that he focus on the present and the future and BELIEVE that his treatments will help him and that he is making the correct choices. There are many good books out there that I would recommend. One is Deepak Chopra "The Mind Body Connection" and another is by Louise Hay called "You Can Heal Your Life". He may find the latter a litte cheesy, but if he is open to it I think it is really helpful. It is not about focusing on the past, but controling your thoughts NOW.
As for exercise and diet, I thought I had a good diet before but I realized that I did not. I have learned so many things about various supplements and vitamins in foods, refined sugars which are hidden in all kinds of foods, preservatives, and on and on. Diet is always an area that can be improved upon...
We are exposed to so many combinations of chemicals that did not exist 100 years ago that it is mind boggling. Literally there are tens of thousands of combinations that did not exist 50 years ago. Two major compounds in plastics have now been linked to breast cancer, for example.
There are so many possible reasons why Mark had a spontaneous mutation that it would be a full time job trying to figure it out and it would have no end.
Like was said above, put the past behind you and move forward with a positive outlook full of HOPE!
Love,
Susan

Like others have said, who knows why we get cancer. I didn't have a horrible lifestyle nor was there a family history. Not to belittle the question but it's a moot point. I think a positive attitude is very important in one's recovery to say the least. I do battle some depression now (as opposed to precancer) and I take something for it.

musiclover said:

Laugher is great advice. We do a lot of laughing of late, probably more than he's done in a long time in spite of his condition. I wasn't trying to be controversial but posting my observation. He has always had a depressive personality. I think that may have something to do with his sickness but of course I don't know for sure. I just wanted to get some thoughts on that.

I have been trying to take some good movies to him - only comedies (suggestions welcome - perhaps I'll put a request in a new post). I turned him onto some great books that he loves (Frank McCourt - a bit morbid but funny, etc.). I'm happy that he is in good spirits and feels like laughing.

No harm intended, my love.

ANYTHING Mel Brooks....Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein are my favs....
Austin Powers movies (I think there are 3)
MASH
Gone Fishing (this one's sort of wierd)

Hugs,
Kathi

Ahoy, Kathryn -

Some really graet advice above. I feel very strongly that there is a diret correlation not so much between our LEVEL of stress and cancer, but how we deal with that stress and cancer. I have read, and totally agree with, books that suggest that as we compartmentalize and hold issues inside of ourselves that we increase our likelihood of developing cancer.

I agree because I saw it in my own life. I was a great compartmentalizer. I had a wall the size of the Great Wall inside of me. I let that all go when I got sick.

Like Maura, I try to move away from "high drama" situations and I try to let things go. I firmly believe in the healing power of humor that the CSN newsletter spoke of this month. And I tend to believe that many cancer patients understand this notion - some consciously some subconsciouly. So many of the cancer patients I have dealt with are very open, forthright, and funny people. Most of them say they weren't that way before they got sick. Do we undergo a subconscious paradigm shift as a survival mechanism? I believe we do. I believe the body will do a host of things to heal itself.

I also believe that exercise and good diet are key to survival. Exercise not only makes our bodies stronger and more durable, it also acts as a mechanism to flush a lot of our emotional waste. Diet? Well, without getting involved in another macrobiotic discussion (that was a great thread by the way), I would just offer: garbage in garbage out - sorta, a lot of that garbage stays in.

Anyway, anti-depressants are available and commonly perscribed. Something else to discuss with your oncologist!

Cheers

- SpongeBob